Baby boomers remodeling bathrooms to age in place

Baby boomers remodeling bathrooms to age in place

1of6A modern take on farmhouse style is gaining popularity. In 2016, just 3 percent of homes opted for this decor style for their bathrooms; in 2018, 7 percent did.Photo: Fran Brennan Photography

2of6While a third of those remodeling choose to get rid of their master bathroom tub, those replacing it overwhelmingly choose a soaking tub, like this copper-clad one.Photo: Megan Lovoi

3of6As baby boomers remodel to age in place, they opt for “no curb” or “low curb” shower entries for easier access if they ever need to use a walker or wheelchair.Photo: Peter Molick

4of6Gray remains a popular color in home decor, and about 16 percent of those remodeling paint their cabinets this color. It’s the top choice for wall paint (32 percent) and popular in flooring (29 percent), too.Photo: Julie Soefer

5of6While a third of those remodeling choose to get rid of their master bathroom tub, those replacing it overwhelmingly choose a soaking tub.Photo: Julie Soefer

6of6Gray remains a popular color in home decor, and about 16 percent of those remodeling paint their cabinets this color. It’s the top choice for wall paint (32 percent) and popular in flooring (29 percent), too.Photo: Julie Soefer

Most people remodel their bathrooms for the most obvious reason — they can’t stand them any longer — says a Houzz study on bathroom remodeling trends. The study keyed in on another major influence: more than half of those remodeling are 55 years and older and are getting their master bathrooms ready to age in place.

Some 56 percent of those surveyed are 55 and older, and they’re installing shower seats (62 percent), lower shower entry curbs (40 percent) and grab bars (55 percent in showers and in bathtub areas), all of which help them stay in their homes as they grow older.

Answering the always dicey question of do you really need a bathtub, some 34 percent of those remodeling their master bathrooms took them out and — at least partly as a result of that — 47 percent changed the bathroom layout.

Other trends from Houzz’s annual survey:

Why, oh why?: In addition to people just tired of their tired-looking bathrooms, some 30 percent said they always wanted to do it and can finally afford it, and another 26 percent saif they were personalizing a newly purchased home.

The priorities: The No. 1 priority for 78 percent of those remodeling was making the bathroom stylish and beautiful. Other priorities were good lighting (47 percent), adds to resale value (45 percent), easy to clean (44 percent) and reflects who I am ( 33 percent). Just 6 percent said they wanted the bathroom to make them look good.

Cost: The median amount spent on a master bathroom was $7,000. For bathrooms 100 square feet and larger, the median amount spent was $16,000.

Staying contemporary: Some 20 percent of remodels were done in contemporary style, with 16 percent transitional, 15 percent modern and 14 percent traditional.

Thanks, Jo: While farmhouse style is still not a top choice, the style popularized on Chip and Joanna Gaines “Fixer Upper” show is growing. In 2016, just 3 percent used that style and in 2018, 7 percent did.

Gray still matters: Gray remains a popular color in home design. Gray was the top color choice for walls (32 percent) and floors (29 percent), but fell to third place as a color choice for cabinets (16 percent). Most people (34 percent) want white cabinets, while another (32 percent) want them with a wood finish.

Bathtub conundrum: While a third of those remodeling removed their bathtub, those who installed them overwhelmingly picked a soaking tub (69 percent). Some 18 percent wanted it to be big enough to accommodate two people. Love is not dead.

The job grows: Many people (46 percent) who remodeled their master bathrooms also opted to do some work in their master bedrooms. Yep, once the bathroom looks so nice, that bedding and furniture looks pretty shabby.